Man, Bubba loves the spotlight of politics (posting this after watching him at the DNC in Denver this evening). I think if Bill Clinton had his way, he would have repealed the two term limits on Presidents and ran for a third term. Hell, he could be onto a 4th term by now, unless of course his “slick little Willy” got him in more trouble than the Lewinsky/cigar episode.

Sometimes, I don’t think Ben Stiller gets enough credit for the brilliance of his comedy. I am absolutely convinced that if Robert Downey, Jr. did not snort his life away while he was in his 20’s and 30’s, he’d be an even bigger star than he is already, and would have a couple of Oscars under his belt by now. His performance in this movie was top notch, hilarious even. This was one of the funnier movies I’ve seen in a while (a nod to my wife Lisa who suggested we go). Its not one of those outlandish comedies like Wedding Crashers, but is a very smart, well written, astutely cast films that just works. None of the actors take themselves too seriously, especially Cruise and McConaughey. Its one of those movies where you either get it, or you don’t.

This Monday, I had the opportunity to play a round of golf at the Bayonne Golf Club. For those not familiar, Bayonne GC was built in 2006 on a plot of marsh and industrial land on NY Harbor. To say that Bayonne GC is a marvel of engineering and landscaping excellence would be a gross understatement. The irony of the experience is set in your arrival to the course. The approach to the club is an industrial road lined with warehouses and 18 wheel trucks. I felt like I was driving to meet Tony Soprano for the last time at one of his meeting spots. Yet, when you pass through the gates, you are enveloped by a winding road within a valley of dune grass covered hills. Within 15 seconds, the thoughts of those warehouses and Tony Soprano were gone.

The clubhouse was spectacular, with no expense missed to ensure that it felt like a place that was 150 years old, even though it was only 3 years old. There was the proverbial dark wood paneling, the wonderful old style locker room, the high backed chairs, and the comfy chairs and couches that you could get lost in.

The course itself and the experience of playing there was just amazing. On certain holes like #16, views of NY harbor and the Manhattan skyline were breathtaking. On many of the other holes, I really felt like I was on a course in the middle of the British Isles, with the rolling hills and links course layout.

My round was interrupted twice by some spectacular lightning storms, which definitely put a damper on the day (by the second interruption before the last 6 holes, I had checked out) but made for good entertainment while waiting in the clubhouse. But we finished the round and had a wonderful day. And, I actually played good, consistent golf for the first 12 holes. I really hope I get the chance to play there again with better weather. Above all else, what playing Bayonne did that no other course I’ve played has done(with maybe the exception of Blackwolf Run in Wisconsin), was make me appreciate the fun and experience of playing a round of golf.

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Seen Sunday August 2, two days after Manny Ramirez was traded from the Red Sox to the Dodgers, on a construction site on Lansdowne Street across the street from Fenway Park. Photo was actually taken from within the grounds of Fenway Park.